High dollar, hands-off Govt sends workers to dole queue

The loss of up to 100 jobs at Croxley stationery in Auckland is devastating news for their families and the local Avondale community, Labour’s Employment, Skills and Training spokesperson Grant Robertson says.

“The company’s inability to compete in international markets is one of the reasons for the potential job cuts.

“This is yet another example of a long-standing Kiwi company suffering because of the high New Zealand dollar.

“Labour's monetary policy will keep the dollar at more competitive levels using savings and implementing changes to the Reserve Bank Act to focus on supporting exports and jobs. It would result in a lower average dollar and less volatility so that business can be more competitive.

“A Labour Government would also get alongside businesses as an active partner to ensure their doors stay open and their workers have jobs.

“Labour’s Economic Upgrade is part of our plan to reduce unemployment to 4 per cent in our first term. It will see investment in industries that support sustainable jobs, give New Zealand firms a fair chance to get government contracts and support research and development.

“Labour in Government will be a partner in a growing economy not a bewildered bystander like the current National Government," Grant Robertson says.